Backyard Summer Birthday Party Ideas

A backyard party in summer is hard to beat: lots of space, no venue fees, and kids who can run, splash and get messy without worrying about the furniture. With a little planning for heat and shade, it's one of the easiest parties to host.

Plan for the heat

• Pick the time wisely. Late morning or late afternoon avoids the hottest part of the day.
• Make shade. A canopy, patio umbrellas or a spot under trees for food and rest.
• Water, everywhere. A cooler of water bottles labeled with each child's name.
• Sunscreen and bug spray on a table by the door, and a reminder on the invitation.
• A backup plan for rain or extreme heat: a garage, a covered porch, or a new date.

Water fun

• Sprinklers and splash pads: an easy hit for little kids.
• Water balloon toss: pairs step back after each catch.
• Sponge relay: soak a sponge, run, squeeze it into a cup; first team to fill the cup wins.
• Kiddie pool for the youngest guests.
• Water gun or spray bottle games for older kids.

Ask families to bring swimsuits and towels, and have an adult whose only job is watching any water play, even shallow kiddie pools.

Classic backyard games

• Sack races, three-legged races, egg and spoon races
• Tug of war
• Giant bubbles with a big bubble wand
• Lawn games: ring toss, cornhole, giant Jenga
• Treasure hunt around the yard
• Freeze tag or capture the flag
• Piñata (a pull-string one is safer with a crowd)

Activity stations

Set up a few stations kids can move between at their own pace:

• Chalk art on the driveway
• Craft table in the shade: decorate sun visors or paint rocks
• Bubble station
• Ball games: a small soccer goal or a basketball hoop

Summer food

• Grill favorites: hot dogs and burgers, plus a veggie option.
• Watermelon slices or fruit skewers.
• Popsicles and ice cream instead of, or alongside, the cake. Cake frosting melts fast in the heat; cupcakes or an ice cream cake kept in the freezer until the last minute work better.
• Lemonade stand: let the birthday kid serve the drinks.

Keep food covered and in the shade, and put anything with mayo, dairy or meat back in the fridge or cooler quickly.

Summer themes

• Pool party or beach party (even without a pool)
• Luau: leis, tropical fruit and hula hoops
• Camping: a tent, s'mores and a nature scavenger hunt
• Carnival: game booths with tickets and small prizes
• Under the sea: see our under-the-sea party ideas

Practical tips

• Bathroom access: make sure guests know where it is.
• Neighbors: a friendly heads-up about noise and parking goes a long way.
• Trash and recycling bins in plain sight.

When you're ready to invite everyone, Birfy gives you one link with the invitation, RSVPs and a gift wishlist. Add a note to bring swimsuits and towels, and every guest sees it right on the invitation.